About Us

Who we are and where we are going

Our Vision

To transform lives and give hope by breaking the cycles of poverty, homelessness, and addiction. Our goal is to transform lives by proclaiming Christ, bridging service gaps, creating networks, and building community through a relational approach. We envision a place where ministries, community agencies, non-profits, and churches can come together to serve those in need.

Our Mission

Simon Kenton Bridges of Hope is a faith-based, Christ-centered, non-profit organization dedicated to serving persons experiencing homelessness, poverty, and consequences of addictive behaviors. Bridges of Hope will address the needs of such persons by providing access to life-building and life-sustaining services, either through direct benevolence or in collaboration with private agencies, ministerial entities, and/or government agencies.

Our History

By transforming a building we can preserve the heritage of past generations, while offering hope for present and future generations. The Simon Kenton building served as an elementary school from 1974 until 2013. Now purchased by Bridges of Hope, from the City of Xenia, on September 12, 2017. This remarkably adaptable 39,000 square foot building – still in reasonably good condition – was slated for demolition, but now it will once again serve our community.

The Bridges of Hope team has begun Phase 1 in the renovation of the Simon Kenton school building and in December of 2017 we were able to open an emergency overnight shelter in the gym area. This will better enable us to evaluate, plan, and continue to raise funds for the overall project while we provide limited help to those without homes. Our hope is to phase in services as resources allow and renovations are completed. With the temporary emergency shelter in place, we are working on fundraising to complete renovations that will enable us to use the entire building and enter Phase II.

Phase II of Bridges of Hope will add some exciting additional services, including a year-round shelter for the homeless — temporary housing for men and women. This will bridge a critical gap until they can gain transitional or permanent housing. Other renovations include roof work, HVAC, parking lot and exterior improvements, as well as increased operational support.

Finally in Phase III we hope to build new kitchen and dining spaces, administrative offices, as well as provide rooms and areas for other partners to work out of in service to our community. Our dream to to create a Hub of Hope where those in need can come and “one-stop-shop” for the resources and skills they need to improve their lives.

All of these services will necessitate major to comply with ADA guidelines, and more as we continue work on the building. This phase of the program will require major expense, so these changes will be initiated only when funding goals are reached and the improvements can be made debt-free. We pray that God will continue to smooth our path as we move towards the future.